The Oakdale Irrigation District will celebrate the 100th Anniversary of its founding in 1909 on Saturday, Sept. 26 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the new Gene Bianchi Community Center, and the event will be open to the public.

As part of the centennial celebration, OID has several activities planned that involve the community. There will be displays from OID and a number of the district’s partner companies about the district and the work OID is doing that the public may find interesting and educational, as well as a community barbecue. The free barbecue lunch will be served starting at 11 a.m. with presentations from state and local officials happening at 11:30 a.m.

R.S.V.P. for lunch by calling (209) 840-5526.

A glossy booklet “of tabletop quality” that includes historical photos and text, and identifies all the Boards of Directors and general managers that the district has had throughout its history has been produced and will be available in a limited number at the event.

The event will provide the community with information on the role that OID has played in the growth of the region and the importance the district has had in its viability.

OID traces its roots back to the 1850s when gold miners needed water for their excavations and domestic use. The miners’ water rights and the ditch they built afforded OID and its sister district in Tri-Dam, the South San Joaquin Irrigation District (SSJID), senior water entitlements that are important to the region today.

SSJID held its 100-year anniversary earlier this year and hosted approximately 500 people over the course of the day. OID expects 500 to 700 people to attend the Sept. 26 event.

OID also created a special section on its website that features a historic photo gallery and a timeline that plots key milestones in OID’s history. News events and historical vignettes are also posted on the site. Go to www.oakdaleirrigation.com/100anniversary to view the information.